Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Ventura Public Library, 7 Ventura St., Ventura, IA 50482.

Alma C. Spilman, daughter of Peter and Freida (Schonhorst) Fessler, was born Aug. 17, 1917, in Swaledale, Iowa. Alma attended country school and graduated from Swaledale High School in 1934. She continued her education at the Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls, receiving her teaching certificate.

She began to teach country school in rural Swaledale before she met Orval “Fritz” Spilman at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. They were united in marriage on Sept. 19, 1942, in Stark, Fla., and to this union four children were born: Carolyn, Dennis, Connie and Tom.

She continued teaching country school before Orval returned to North Iowa where he began farming. Her career as a teacher dissolved and she became a full time homemaker, raising her children and taking care of the home.

She was a beautiful seamstress, enjoyed decorating and was an avid reader. Most importantly, Alma put her family first.